Cricket

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the rising star of Indian cricket, has been making waves with his impressive performances in Test cricket. Despite the rain-affected first day of the opening Test against New Zealand, Jaiswal spent an hour at indoor nets, showcasing his dedication to his craft.Jaiswal's childhood coach, Jwala Singh, believes that the 21-year-old's maturity and focused mindset will serve him well when he embarks on the biggest challenge of his career in Australia next month. "At this level, it's about handling pressure," said Singh. "Yashasvi has a mature head on his shoulders, which is crucial in Australia, where they play hard cricket."Since his Test debut in 2023, Jaiswal has amassed 1217 runs at an average of 64.05, including three centuries. Singh attributes his growth as a batsman to his association with senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. "Being around such masters has helped him a lot," he said.Jaiswal's aggressive batting style has been tempered with a more judicious approach. "He now has better awareness of his game and knows which balls to attack and which to let go," noted Singh. This was evident in his breakout series against England earlier this year, where he handled legendary pacer James Anderson with aplomb.However, the challenge of playing in Australia is vastly different. Former England pacer Alan Mullaly believes that Indian batters need to be prepared for short-pitched bowling and spicy pitches. "The Aussies will go hard at them with short stuff," he said.Despite the challenges, India skipper Rohit Sharma is confident in Jaiswal's abilities. "He has the game to play in all sorts of conditions," said Sharma. "We've found a great player."Jaiswal's journey in the next couple of years will be crucial in determining his long-term success. With his dedication, maturity, and adaptability, he has the potential to become a mainstay in the Indian Test team for years to come.

Indian cricket witnessed the electrifying debut of young pacer Mayank Yadav in the T20I series opener against Bangladesh in Gwalior. The 22-year-old, who missed out on a potential breakout season in the Indian Premier League due to injury, made his mark on the international stage with an impressive performance.Mayank's debut was made even more memorable when former India spinner Murali Kartik, who was commentating on the series, handed him his T20I cap. Kartik later revealed that India head coach Gautam Gambhir had asked him to present the cap to Mayank, a gesture that touched him deeply."What a memorable day for this Speed Merchant #MayankYadav...it took me back 25 yrs when I received my cap from Sachin & Kapil paaji... A touching moment for me personally to be asked to present the cap by @GautamGambhir...a wonderful gesture," Kartik tweeted.Mayank's debut was a testament to his raw pace and precision. He was handed the ball in the final over of the powerplay and delivered a maiden over, becoming only the third Indian cricketer to achieve this feat in their first T20I over.Mayank's pace was too much for Bangladesh's batsmen to handle. He added a wicket to his name, dismissing experienced all-rounder Mahmudullah with a scorching 146.1kph delivery. The pace and accuracy of his bowling helped India restrict Bangladesh to a modest total of 127.India chased down the target with ease, winning by 7 wickets with plenty of overs to spare. Mayank's impressive debut was a major contributing factor to India's victory. He finished with figures of 1/21 in his four-over spell, showcasing his potential as a future star of Indian cricket.

Mukesh Kumar, the rising star of Indian cricket, has made a compelling case for his inclusion in the national team with his exceptional performances in domestic competitions. Despite the departure of several senior players, the competition for places in the Indian team remains fierce.In the recently concluded Duleep Trophy, Kumar emerged as the second-highest wicket-taker for India B, claiming 15 wickets at an impressive average of 28.60. His tally included two four-wicket hauls, showcasing his ability to strike consistently.Kumar's impressive form continued in the Irani Cup, where he picked up a five-wicket haul for the Rest of India team against Mumbai. His performance in this prestigious match further solidified his credentials as a potential candidate for the Indian team.Speaking to Sportstar after his standout performance in the Irani Cup, Kumar expressed his focus on executing his plans and justifying the trust placed in him by the captain. He acknowledged that selection is an ongoing process and that he will continue to strive for excellence.Kumar's aspirations extend beyond representing India in one format. He aims to play for the country in all three formats, recognizing the pride and honor associated with representing India on the international stage.With Mohammed Shami's fitness still a concern, Kumar could be a viable backup option for the upcoming tour of Australia. The wickets in Australia are known to favor pacers, and Kumar's ability to generate pace and bounce could prove valuable.Kumar's determination and consistent performances have put him on the radar of the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee. If he continues to impress in domestic competitions, he is likely to earn a call-up to the Indian team in the near future.

India's legendary spinner Anil Kumble has expressed his confidence in young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal's ability to excel in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Kumble believes that Jaiswal's versatility and adaptability will serve him well on the challenging Australian pitches.Jaiswal has been a consistent performer in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle, showcasing his ability to adjust his tactics based on the conditions and opposition. In the recent home series against Bangladesh, he displayed his versatility by playing cautiously in the first Test, where the conditions favored the fast bowlers, and then switching to his naturally aggressive style in the second game.Kumble believes that Jaiswal's aggressive approach will be an asset in Australia, where India has won two consecutive series. He also highlighted the psychological advantage that the Indian team has going into the series, having won the previous two encounters against Australia."This Indian team is heading to Australia with two back-to-back series wins over them, which is a great confidence booster for a youngster," Kumble said. "When other teams tour Australia, they often do so with some hesitation because of past failures. But for this Indian side, coming off two series wins against Australia, the situation is much more comfortable."Kumble emphasized the importance of Jaiswal's technique and hunger for runs, which he believes will be key to his success in Australia. He also noted that Jaiswal's ability to learn and adapt quickly will be crucial in navigating the challenges of playing in different conditions.Overall, Kumble is optimistic about Jaiswal's prospects in Australia and believes that he has the potential to make a significant contribution to India's success in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batsman, has shifted his focus from personal milestones to team success, according to Mike Hesson, the former Director of Cricket for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Hesson believes that this mindset could prove dangerous for opposing teams, as Kohli's natural ability will lead to big scores regardless.Hesson, speaking on Jio Cinema ahead of India's Test series against New Zealand, praised Kohli's desire to win games for his country. He noted that Kohli's focus on team success rather than individual statistics could be a major advantage for India."I think Virat Kohli is at that stage in his career where he just wants to try and win games for India," Hesson said. "And I think that's a dangerous stage for other sides, because if he is doing that rather than focusing on numbers, the big scores will come naturally."Hesson emphasized the importance of Kohli's ability to control the tempo of an innings and counter-attack when necessary. He believes that Kohli's presence at the crease will prevent the game from drifting away from India."The ability to hold a tempo in Australia is so important--being able to counter-attack and knowing the right moments to do so," Hesson said. "As mentioned, from 30 to 60 overs is a key phase. If Kohli is batting at that point, he won't let the game drift. It is about finding gaps, hitting gaps, getting ones and twos, and then, if they try and attack him, then he can counterattack."Hesson also commented on Kohli's recent struggles against Bangladesh, noting that the former captain appeared to be in good form despite not making many runs. He expressed confidence that Kohli will thrive in the upcoming series against New Zealand and Australia."He looked like he was moving well and getting into good positions," Hesson said. "After playing in New Zealand, heading to Australia will suit him, as he thrives in those conditions."

Abhimanyu Easwaran, Bengal's prolific opening batsman, continues to impress with his consistent performances, raising questions about his absence from the Indian national team. In the recent Ranji Trophy match against Uttar Pradesh, Easwaran hammered a century (127), his fourth in the last nine innings. This followed his two centuries in the Duleep Trophy and a superb 191 in the Irani Cup against Mumbai.Easwaran's impressive run of form has seen him score 7,638 runs in 99 first-class matches at an average of 49.92, including 27 centuries. Despite his stellar performances, he has yet to receive a call-up to the national team.In an interview with TOI, Easwaran expressed his desire to make a fresh start this season after an injury-hit campaign last year. He praised the sporting pitch at Ekana Stadium, where he scored two centuries in the last 15 days.Easwaran also discussed his aggressive approach in the second innings against Uttar Pradesh, which he attributed to the need to put up a decent score. He highlighted the importance of being proactive on challenging wickets.Reflecting on his cricketing journey, Easwaran credited his father's passion for the game as his inspiration. He also acknowledged the valuable lessons he learned during his time with India A, where he played alongside international cricketers.Easwaran emphasized that his focus remains on performing for his team and that the decision of whether or not to call him up to the national team rests with the selectors. He expressed his gratitude for being part of the Indian team environment during the 2021 England tour, where he gained valuable insights from senior cricketers.

Sanju Samson, the dynamic Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, has expressed his ardent desire to establish himself as an all-format player for the national team. In an exclusive interview, Samson revealed his aspirations to play Test cricket and his belief in his ability to succeed in the red-ball format."I believe I have the skill-set to succeed in red-ball cricket," Samson asserted. "I don't want to be restricted to just white-ball cricket. I desire to play Tests for India."Samson's determination stems from the support he has received from the Indian team management. During the recent Bangladesh series, he was given the opportunity to open the batting, a role he embraced with aplomb. "I was told three weeks in advance that I would be playing as an opener against Bangladesh," Samson said. "I was mentally prepared for the new role."The 28-year-old's confidence was further boosted by his century in the Duleep Trophy, a tournament that featured some of the best bowlers in the country. "The century in the Duleep Trophy has given me a lot of confidence," Samson admitted.Samson's journey to the national team has been marked by both highs and lows. He has been praised for his exceptional batting skills, but has also faced criticism for his inconsistency. However, he remains undeterred and is determined to prove his worth in all formats of the game."I believe in playing fearless cricket and not shying away from taking the odd risk," Samson said. "It was my dream to hit five sixes in a match, and I was in my zone that day and it came off."Samson's desire to play Test cricket is a testament to his ambition and his belief in his own abilities. As he continues to develop and mature as a player, it is likely that he will get his chance to represent India in the longest format of the game.

India's Test captain, Rohit Sharma, has expressed his admiration for the remarkable performances of young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. Since his debut in mid-2023, Jaiswal has amassed 1217 runs in 11 Tests, including three centuries, at an impressive average of 64.05.Rohit attributes Jaiswal's success to his insatiable hunger for learning and his determination to excel at the highest level. "I am not surprised at all because the guy has got real talent," Rohit said. "He has got the game to play in all sorts of conditions."Jaiswal's breakout series came against England earlier this year, where he scored over 700 runs across five Tests. Rohit believes that Jaiswal has all the ingredients for success at the international level. "He is somebody who wants to learn the game, learn about batsmanship," Rohit said. "When a youngster comes into the team, his mindset is quite critical."Rohit also highlighted the importance of Jaiswal's left-handedness, which provides India with a different option in the batting lineup. "He has played a lot of domestic cricket, under-19 cricket. He has succeeded as well, and that is why he is playing for India," Rohit said. "It does obviously well for our team as well him being a left-hander, being an aggressive batter."While Rohit is impressed with Jaiswal's early performances, he also cautioned him about the challenges that lie ahead. "It is just about how he manages himself in the next couple of years," Rohit said. "But what he has shown us in this brief period of time, you can bet on him to do wonders for the team."

The post-Rahul Dravid era in Indian cricket has witnessed a shift towards a more aggressive approach, spearheaded by head coach Gautam Gambhir. As the team prepares for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand, the focus has shifted to the bowling department, with Gambhir emphasizing the importance of bowlers in determining match outcomes.With Jasprit Bumrah appointed as vice-captain, India's priorities are clear. However, the absence of Mohammed Shami due to an ankle injury has created a void that the team is looking to fill. Akash Deep has emerged as a potential candidate, having displayed consistency and accuracy in his short Test career.Mohammed Siraj, once a rising star, has faced challenges in 2024, with his wicket-taking ability declining. The New Zealand series provides him with an opportunity to regain form and build momentum ahead of the crucial Australia tour.India has also named three pacers as reserves: Harshit Rana, Mayank Yadav, and Prasidh Krishna. While their inclusion in the starting XI is unlikely, they represent India's long-term strategy, particularly with the Australia tour in mind.The New Zealand series will serve as a valuable preparation ground for the reserves, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the team environment and prepare for the challenges of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.